Snow Geese, Ross's Geese, and Blue Morphs - it can be overwhelmingly white in the sky! Come learn how to tell the difference between all these white geese. Through exquisite pictures and lively narration, you can become much more knowledgeable about our Mascot of the Festival.

Presenter: Mike Peters

Close your eyes and enjoy an audio tour of diverse and fascinating soundscapes. Learn about the importance of soundscape preservation while you enjoy a selection of stereo and surround-sound recordings from parks and wildlife preserves. Greg will discuss what nature recording equipment is used, and he’ll also be giving you some practice in ear training.

Presenter: Greg Weddig

Lawns are wonderful for children to play on and dogs to run on, and the expanse of green is certainly appreciated in the heat of the summer. Lawns, however, use large quantities of water and fertilizer, need mowing, and provide little to no habitat for insects and birds. In this workshop I will discuss the nuts and bolts of converting a lawn to a wildlife friendly garden. We will cover methods to kill the lawn, with an emphasis on sheet mulching; how to change over the irrigation; design considerations; and plant choices.

Presenter: John Whittlesey

Come learn about the life cycle of the Wood Duck; one of our shyest and most difficult ducks to observe in the wild. Why do Wood Ducks nest in trees? What are their favorite foods? What is "dump nesting"? Richly illustrated with many beautiful photos, we will take a journey through the annual cycle of the Wood Duck.

Presenter: Mike Peters

Many have been enchanted by the chortles of flocks of Sandhill Cranes wheeling over Sauvie Island and have wanted to learn more about these special visitors. Come hear crane biologist Gary Ivey speak about the three populations of Sandhill Cranes which breed, stage and winter in Oregon, with emphasis on the birds at Sauvie Island. Gary will talk about the natural history, communication, breeding, migration, and habitat management of these graceful birds. They dance, flirt, and mate for life (as long as the mate is a good parent!).

Presenter: Gary Ivey

Naturalist and teacher Jeremy Miller will share ideas and activities of nature and science exploration that can take place in what may on the surface seem to be the most un-wild of habitats, the urban lawn and asphalt playground. String, hand lenses, and some creativity can make even these locations come alive with wonder. Workshop targets parents and teachers of students grades K - 6, but kids and youth are welcome to attend at no charge.

Presenter: Jeremy Miller

After 35 years, pro travel and wildlife photographers, Ron and Nancy Sanford, are working more and more with less and less photo gear. Ron promises to ‘show and tell’ how new technology has elevated small, inexpensive PHD cameras. In case you don’t know, PHD means push here dummy. He promises a lively visual adventure ... he’ll make the case, you decide! Warning: If you just dropped a couple grand on a camera/lens package ... this may not be your best program choice.

Presenter: Ron & Nancy Sanford

Here's an opportunity for glimpses into the mysterious Sutter Buttes. Travel through the Buttes without ever leaving your chair as you enjoy this fascinating slide presentation on the many facets and wonders of the remarkable landscape that makes up the Sutter Buttes.

Presenter: Mike Hubbartt

This program is an introduction to some of the locations in California and nearby southern Oregon that provide excellent opportunities to photograph nature, particularly birds and scenic views. Photography opportunities on the refuges of the Sacramento Refuge Complex will be discussed in addition to recommended methods of photographing at the other locations covered in the presentation.

Presenter: Steve Emmons